Kasugai Hatusmi

[DeathsOverture]

Kasugai walked into the Security Divison lobby, where he found Taro Katsuo sitting comfortably.

"Konnichiwa, Taro-sama." Katsuo turned his head and they made eye contact. Kasugai noticed a familiar grin on his friend's face, which he immediately surpressed. Katsuo rose to his feet steadily as Kasugai put his hands together and pulled them towards his chest. As they bowed to each other, a few moments of silence allowed Kasugai to gather his thoughts and choose his words.

"You summoned me?"

"O-hayou gozaimasu*, Kasugai-san,"said Katsuo. "You have shown great progress in the past weeks. I'm even hearing about successes you are having while I am not around. Even last night, Mai-chan said you defeated a pair of Outcasts before she could reach the battle."

"I had help from a Bounty hunter..." Kasugai was rather humble about the victory. He remembered the Outcast Falcatta, which basically flew into his Supernova burst. It was the Scimitar that gave him trouble. Eventually, the Outcast met his demise when he bounty hunter fired a disruptor module that prematurely detonated his mines.

"So desu ka?** Well I didn't summon you here to talk. Let's go."

Puzzled, Kasugai followed Katsuo into the next room, where a few men and women in GMG uniform were seated on one side of a long rectangular table. In the middle was Guild Master Raikoke, a young and insightful woman of both Rheinland and Kusari descent. To her left was the seasoned Guild Master Griff Vahl, who reviewed and approved Kasugai's application to the Security Division. To the right of Raikoke was an empty seat, which bore the name of Katsuo Okazaki, whom Kasugai had not seen since the battle with the Phantoms at Aomori. Guild Master Marieka Kyieto was in the room as well, but standing at the end of the table with a communicator. Those who were seated rose to their feet, and they exchanged bows.

"Konnichiwa, Kasugai-san," said Raikoke. "I don't think there is a need for introductions. Since time is of the essence, this meeting will be short." Raikoke gestured for everyone to be seated. When silence was restored, she spoke again. "We've evaluated your credentials, and I have to say, they do not particularly stand out. But we have seen what we wish for in every GMG officer: determination and diligence. With Taro-san's approval, we have decided to make you a Santou Kaisa**** in the Paramilitary." Kasugai was stunned. They completely skipped the Lieutenant rank and made him a direct subordinate of Katsuo.

"I have faith that you will polish your piloting, " added Marieka Kyieto, "as we have seen much improvement in the past few weeks."

Raikoke gestured and everyone stood up. Once again, they exchanged bows.

"Well done, Kasugai," said Vahl as he extended his hand across the table. The handshake was a familiar gesture to Kasugai. He confidently grasped the Rheinlander's tough hand, and was not at all surprised to find that his grip was as strong as his appearance.

"Arigato gozaimasou.*** This is a great honor, " said Kasugai, "I will not disappoint." With that, Katsuo and Kasugai bowed once again and left the room.

"Is it too early for a drink in celebration?" asked Katsuo.

"Hai. But it's never too early for coffee!"

"Very well. This one's on me."

// Japanese used here:
* Good morning
** Is that so?
*** Thank you very much.
****Lt.Cmd

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